IP Data Frame Transmission Over Non-IP Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control network protocols are incompatible with general purpose computer network protocols like IPv4 or IPv6, limiting the ability to extend process plant communications outside controlled environments and integrate with the internet, due to hardware and economic constraints of retrofitting intelligent field devices.
Innovation Solution
A communication method that enables the seamless transmission of IP data frames, such as IPv6, over non-IP networks by using the network routing mechanisms of the non-IP communication network, preserving IP routing information for subsequent routing in IP-based communications networks, allowing IP data frames to be sent between devices within and outside process plants without altering the normal communications in the non-IP network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If process control networks use specialized non-IP protocols, then reliability and robustness within controlled environments is improved, but adaptability to extend communications outside process plants and integrate with the internet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between IP-based networks and non-IP process control networks. This gateway performs protocol conversion, allowing data frames to be transmitted from IP networks through the non-IP network without requiring the field devices themselves to support IP protocols. The gateway mediates the incompatible protocols, enabling communication while preserving the reliability of the non-IP network and the adaptability of the IP network.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device serves multiple functions: it acts as an IP endpoint for IP-based devices, a router for non-IP network devices, and a protocol converter between IP and non-IP protocols. This multi-functionality allows a single device to bridge two incompatible network types, enabling process control networks to maintain their specialized protocol advantages while gaining access to IP network infrastructure and internet connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intelligent field devices are retrofitted with IP protocol support, then adaptability to communicate across different networks is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the field devices themselves, the patent places an intermediary gateway device that handles IP protocol processing. This approach allows field devices to remain simple and unchanged, while the gateway assumes the complexity of protocol conversion. The field devices continue to operate with their original non-IP protocols, maintaining simplicity while achieving network compatibility through the gateway.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IP data frames are transmitted over non-IP networks, then interoperability between different network protocols is improved, but the complexity of routing and protocol conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as a centralized intermediary that handles all protocol conversion and routing complexity. It receives IP data frames, extracts IP routing information, and uses non-IP routing protocols to forward frames through the non-IP network. This concentrates the routing complexity in a single device rather than distributing it across multiple field devices, making the system more manageable despite the protocol conversion requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method operates to seamlessly transmit internet protocol (IP) data frames, such as IPv6 data frames, over a communication network that uses a non-IP network routing protocol, i.e., a communication network that implements a network routing protocol other than, or that is incompatible with an IP network routing protocol, such as the WirelessHART protocol. This communication method enables, for example, field devices or other intelligent devices within a process plant network that uses a non-IP communication network to perform messaging of IP data frames generated at or to be received by internet protocol enabled devices either within the process plant network or outside of the process plant network.